It seems like life has taken so many turns in the past few years. From horrendous shootings, to overdose deaths, from having it all to losing everything. Heartbreak can seem like it lies around every corner. And if we look for it, it does.

In the face of tragedy, it is very often difficult to maintain our sobriety. A flood of emotions overcome us and we reach for the first thing that will numb the pain. However, relapse can be prevented even in the face of the worst tragedies. Remember that a relapse will do nothing but add more tragedy to the situation. And never forget that no matter who you are, there are people around you who do care and are willing to help you. The following is a list of five steps that will not only help you stay sober through a tragedy, but help you strengthen your own recovery and pass it along to others.

1. Reach out. Don't isolate.

When we face tragedy, loss or grief, we often hold those feelings inside of us. We think that we must handle our emotions on our own as we don't feel others will listen, or we simply do not feel that we can burden them with our struggles. The truth is that we are relational people, and we work through the most difficult of life's tragedies by sharing with others. In the recovery community, we have a strong support network in our 12-step support groups. AA, NA, and other groups are the backbone of our support network. Here, you may share with others and ask for personal support. Your sponsor is there to walk you through the most difficult emotions and provide accountability in our recovery. Additionally, a professional counselor may be helpful, especially if relapse or suicidal thoughts are present. These are dangerous situations that should be handled with professional help.

In most cases however, reaching out to any trusted friend or mentor will help you ease the daily burdens you carry after a life tragedy. A friend can provide comfort through listening ears and help maintain focus when making decisions seems difficult. Regardless of who you share with, it is simply most important that you don't isolate yourself from others or internalize your struggles. Be very honest with those around you that you are struggling. Internalizing, or holding in your emotions is one of the quickest ways to become restless, irritable, or discontent and ultimately, leads to relapse.

2. Take time to grieve loss.

As addicts and alcoholics, we have a long history of avoiding painful emotions. We numb ourselves to stop the pain but when tragedy strikes, pain is unavoidable. At that point its important to remember that its okay to feel the pain. Its okay to turn to a trusted friend and say, "I am not okay. I need to talk."

In this world of tragedy, we will all hurt. We will all grieve loss. We will face disappointment. Deciding to work through the pain instead of avoiding or numbing the pain will not only help us stay sober, but will help us reach a new level in our own recovery. We will grow in our own strength and even our ability to help others.

Its okay to feel. Its okay to hurt. Its okay to be not okay.

3. Maintain your normal daily routine.

When tragedy strikes and our lives turn to chaos, its very important to avoid panic. Keeping to a normal routine will provide a sense of comfort and reassurance that all will be okay. In early recovery, many of us were told to rise out of bed every morning and make our bed. Every day we get up at the same time, and start with order and consistency. No matter what happens in life, we get up every morning and make our bed before going about our day.

Maintaining a normal schedule will help quickly restore order after a tragedy disrupts our lives. A regular schedule will help comfort and reassure you that life will once again return to normal. Be sure to continue attending regular meetings, and perhaps even add more to your schedule as the need arises.

4. Create peace through prayer, meditation, and journaling.

As participants of a 12-step group, we're encouraged to seek a higher power as a spiritual basis for life. This higher power is the one who maintains control beyond us. In times of tragedy, we ask our higher power for help and speak our pain openly. We pray for ourselves and others who are affected by the tragedy. We seek the calm and comfort that a higher power provides during difficult times.

Meditation is a very simple way to produce calm among the chaos. Simply focusing your mind on the principles of recovery or your higher power will produce peace within you. There are various different methods when it comes to meditation, but any simple Google search will help you learn methods of meditation that work for you. One such example of meditation for beginners can be found on www.zenhabits.net.

Journaling is a process of writing thoughts and feelings down on paper. Many will argue that good old fashioned pen and paper is best, while others see fit to journal on their laptop or other device. No matter what your feeling on it however, journaling provides an outlet to express conflicted emotions and greatly helps you organize your thoughts. As you go through similar experiences in the future, you can look back at old journal entries to encourage you and keep you on track for healing.

Prayer, meditation, and journaling are all designed to help you connect with your higher power, process through tragedy, and set you on a path to healing and growth through the incident. Ask your sponsor, therapist, or clergyperson for even more direction and helpful hints in your own journey.

5. Get involved and help others.

The 12th step provides for our long-term recovery through helping others. Just as we recover from an addiction by helping others who still struggle, we can heal from trauma by helping others experiencing trauma. If you were directly affected by a natural disaster, you may seek to volunteer at a local shelter or through the Red Cross. If you lost a loved one to addiction or overdose, find a place to volunteer where you can help save the lives of others.

Ask for help from others.

No tragedy ever needs to be cause for relapse. No matter how large the tragedy, there is always hope and help. If you are struggling to maintain your recovery through tragedy or if tragedy has struck and you need help with an addiction, please contact us. We offer caring, compassionate counselors who will help you find the resources you need to recover, and stay in recovery. We're here to help you on this journey. Please contact us today.

The medical science behind addiction treatment has improved dramatically over the past few decades. Treatment professionals have a wealth of tools at their fingertips to help people overcome addictions and associated behavioral health problems. However, post treatment relapse rates remain unacceptably high. What can we do to help our loved ones into recovery and ensure their long-term success?

While few studies exist on the outcomes of family therapy during treatment, all existing studies have shown a dramatic improvement in successful recovery when family members undergo therapy during or after their loved one's treatment stay. However, early data shows that family therapy could possibly double, or even triple the effectiveness of treatment.

Several factors are thought to play a part in this, most notably through education of healthy recovery processes. Family members are taught how to provide accountability to their loved one. They're taught how to recognize the warning signs of relapse, and how to support their loved one during difficult times.

Family therapy alongside addiction treatment also helps families learn how to communicate with each other effectively. In some cases, family members may need to talk to someone about their own problems, and perhaps even their own addictions. Overall, when families get involved in their loved one's treatment, everyone stands to benefit. Everyone can work together for the better of the family unit.

Miracles in Action is committed to providing the best possible outcomes for our addiction treatment clients. We have a strong family therapy support team and work with our clients' families to ensure that everyone is provided with the best resources for long-term success.

At Miracles in Action we believe that recovery is a life-long process and affects every area of an individuals’ life. Our philosophy is to introduce concepts that enforce the practice of staying accountable, working with others and learning healthy ways to cope with day to day life. We work to help individuals develop sober behavior patterns in all areas including family, employment relationships, social and living skills. We believe such changes are crucial in a successful transition back to a healthy lifestyle. Miracles in Action strongly emphasizes family and social involvement to create a support network both during and after treatment.

If you have questions about addiction treatment and our family therapy programs, please reach out to us today. Our team is ready and waiting to answer all your questions.

]]>ehren@effectmedia.org (Miracles In Action)BlogSun, 26 Aug 2018 21:56:08 +0000My Superhero Power: I Choose to have Power Over My Addictionhttps://www.miraclesinaction.info/addiction-resources/item/8-building-the-power-to-choose-why-i-m-not-helpless-against-my-addiction
https://www.miraclesinaction.info/addiction-resources/item/8-building-the-power-to-choose-why-i-m-not-helpless-against-my-addiction

In our addiction, we hear a lot of talk about our choices. We hear mostly about our bad decisions and often we hear a lot of condemnation for it. In most cases, it comes from Mom, Dad, a spouse, or our employer.

But what does it take to make good choices? Other people judge us for our addiction and for the things that we do to try to gain love and respect from others. To me, it felt like they took all the power away from my ability to make choices for myself. I was trapped in a world where everyone else told me what to do.

After finding recovery from my addictions, I've learned a few things about choices...and all of them have to do with learning how much power I have to choose my own path in life, my own destiny, and my own happiness. Nobody has the right or the ability to tell me what to do with my life. Here is how I proved them all wrong.

I can choose dignity, self-worth, and respect.

In my addiction, I chose to be around people who could understand my pain. We talked about the abuse we suffered as children, how bad relationships had left us controlled and even battered, and how we felt that there were very few good people left in this world. Being abused as a child, I felt that I had no control over my life situations, even as an adult. I didn't know what valuing myself meant, even though I thought I did. I was in one bad relationship after another, each one teaching me just how horrible people were. No one loved me or respected me the way I thought I deserved to be.

As I sought out help for myself and my addiction, I couldn't understand how people could care about me as much as they claimed to. I didn't feel like I was worth their time. Gradually, I came to love these people and accept their help. I began to see that many people are good people and just want to help those who have experienced pain as I had. I chose to associate myself with these people and realize that I had enormous value as a human being. I chose to see those who had hurt me as people who had been hurt themselves and became empathetic to their pain. While I chose to limit my interactions with those who had hurt me, I no longer allowed their actions to control my thoughts or feelings.

I can choose to be present and connected with others.

As the addiction epidemic in the United States becomes worse, more research is coming out about how our relationships with others affect our recovery. Us humans are relational beings, we need others around us to connect with us and to share our lives with. I had a terrible problem trusting others enough to allow them close to me emotionally. I held all my hurt and pain inside and I didn't share it with anyone. Meanwhile, I was bursting with hurt and living in agony. The drugs and alcohol eliminated that pain, quickly and completely. Numbing myself meant that I felt powerful and confident, and I didn't ever want that feeling to end.

While I worked on learning to live without drugs and alcohol, I met many people along the way that were consistently kind and supportive of me and my recovery. It took months for me to begin letting them see the real me, the me I thought no one would like. Even still, I sometimes fear that if I'm too honest with someone about who I am, they will reject me. Learning to trust others and overcome my fear has been difficult, but so worth it. I now choose to have people in my life that I trust completely with all my wild emotions and deep dark secrets. Some continue to be amazed by my story, while others share horrors of their past that I can't even imagine. But one thing always rings true, we share ourselves with each other, tell our stories, and laugh and cry together. I now feel more loved, connected, and accepted than I have ever felt in my life.

I can choose health.

Addiction left me with no interest in healthy lifestyle choices. I sat alone and isolated by myself as I numbed my pain with drugs and alcohol. I rarely felt hungry and when I did, the food I ate was certainly not anything that would be considered "healthy". For reasons unknown at the time, I struggled with a lot of stomach pain, especially when I ate. I also struggled with intense anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. I went to the doctor and had tests done for ulcers, Celiac Disease, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis, and more. All the tests came back negative, and I remained with the vague diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. There were meds for that, for depression, anxiety, heartburn, and a host of other maladies. Yet still, physically I felt awful. Emotionally I felt awful. I was a wreck.

Several months into my recovery and still feeling physically sick, I decided I'd had enough of it. I began researching what it meant to achieve health and I found a wealth of information that my doctors had never mentioned. I learned how beneficial it was to my health to eat the right foods, add a little exercise into my day, and sleep on a normal schedule. I began to feel so amazing - better than I had ever felt in my life! Working with my doctor, I was able to stop taking nearly every prescription medication that had been written for me. I simply had no idea how beneficial it would be for me to choose a healthier lifestyle. Everything improved from my energy level and emotional state to how well I slept at night.

I can choose a career where I follow my passions.

I never knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. As an addict, I found myself in my 30s and still didn't know what I wanted to be when I grew up...long after I was grown up. Sure, there were careers that interested me, but none that I had the self-discipline to work toward or go to school for. I had no passion for any type of work, I only sought things that sounded fun. Because of my lack of clarity on anything except my addiction, I bounced around from job to job until I got bored...or caught. And not one of the jobs I held was satisfying in the least.

What I was to discover in recovery was that there were people in careers that they loved. They were truly passionate about what they did, and they loved coming to work every day. As I gained more time in recovery, I saw that many of my newly clean and sober friends sought out careers in the addiction recovery field. I myself was soon to join them, having become passionate about helping people heal their relationships and stay sober once they went through a treatment program. I saw a need and I chose a place to fill that need within the community that I have become so passionate about. I feel fulfilled at the end of every day knowing I'm working toward a solution for people who still hurt deeply, just as I once did.

I can choose happiness.

The first time someone told me to choose happiness, I was utterly stunned. Did they not understand what it was like to struggle with addiction, anxiety, and depression? I can't just turn that stuff off like a switch, ya know. I can't just wake up tomorrow morning and be okay, let alone be happy. Did I want to choose happiness? Of course I did! I just didn't know how. Instead, I sat around with my drink in one hand and my pipe in the other, just waiting for it to happen. But it never did. It just kept getting worse.

It turns out that choosing to be happy didn't mean that I immediately made up my mind to be all better in a day. Rather, I had the choice to change all these little things, one by one, until eventually my anxiety, depression, and most of my physical pain faded away. Just as the promises of Alcoholics Anonymous state, I knew a new freedom and a new happiness. I wasn't bound by my addiction anymore, but I also was no longer enslaved by my fear.

I choose happiness over my addiction every day.

Life is amazing. Every day I grow a little bit more and learn more about myself. It wasn't easy, and it didn't happen overnight, instead it was a process of realizing that I had choices to make in my life. I had to learn about myself to know what I wanted. It took some time for me to realize that I had to make those choices, and that no one was going to make them for me. It was difficult at first, but the freedom I gained was more amazing than I could have ever imagined. Little by little, I made small choices that led to one huge change.

I've never experienced life like this before. And I never want to experience what life in addiction was like again.

]]>ehren@effectmedia.org (Miracles In Action)BlogTue, 19 Jun 2018 17:39:54 +0000What is it like to go to Miracles In Action Treatment Center?https://www.miraclesinaction.info/addiction-resources/item/7-what-is-it-like-to-go-to-miracles-in-action-treatment-center
https://www.miraclesinaction.info/addiction-resources/item/7-what-is-it-like-to-go-to-miracles-in-action-treatment-center

Why do we struggle with addiction? Why is it so hard to stop drinking or using? What makes it so difficult for us to simply walk away from the substance when it becomes a problem in our life?

There are so many complicated reasons that we turn to drugs and alcohol. Meanwhile, life becomes harder and harder to manage, until we simply can't manage it anymore. Sometimes, it is someone around us who makes that determination, but sometimes we come to that point all on our own. And as the big book states, it usually leads us to one of three places - jails, hospitals, or death.

For a lucky few, we'll have escaped addiction without having to endure the humiliation of jails and institutions, or the finality of death. We'll have come to a realization that we need help long before we come to that point, and we'll seek out a solution on our own. Finding oneself in this place in life is uncomfortable for sure, but it will will likely save one’s life too.

At this point in life, the fear of the unknown may be overwhelming. At Miracles In Action, we want our clients to be aware of who we are, what we're about, and what to expect during a drug and alcohol treatment program. We know how difficult it is to put enough trust in an individual or organization to agree to enter a treatment program. We want our clients to be informed about what Miracles In Action is like and what we're about. We want to make our clients as comfortable as possible and ease the typical stress of the drug and alcohol treatment process.

We thought we'd share a few things about Miracles In Action - common questions that we answer every day about what treatment is like and how we help our clients battle their addictions and find long-term recovery.

1. Compassionate and skilled providers

At Miracles In Action, we believe that one of the most important aspects of addiction treatment is finding providers who believe in our clients and pull out all of the stops to their successful recovery. Addiction treatment isn't about judging and criticizing those who struggle with addiction. In fact, harsh and condemning methods of treatment often play a big part in unsuccessful treatment outcomes. Kindness and compassionate approaches work best to reach those who struggle with the pain and traumas that accompany addiction.

Our staff is not only compassionate and helpful, they're also highly trained and experienced in the latest evidence-based treatment methods. We're equipped to handle addictions and most co-occurring disorders with highly trained state-licensed doctors and clinicians on the premises.

2. A welcoming home-like setting

Walking through the doors at Miracles In Action is in itself, a calming and transforming experience. The environment is designed to remove any distractions to sobriety or triggers to relapse. The beds are amazingly plush and comfortable, entertainment abounds in every room, and the chef-prepared food is absolutely incredible. We’ve worked hard to ensure that every aspect of Miracles In Action prepares the greatest opportunity for our clients to focus on their recovery.

We value fun and recreation in treatment too! Our spacious treatment center also includes a heated pool, billiards, and a large variety of premium entertainment options on our large flat-screen TVs. We take frequent outings to local entertainment venues and attractions as we’re located very close to Hollywood, Los Angeles, and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world!

3. Modern evidence-based treatment

Going to treatment shouldn’t be just about sitting in groups and lectures all day. There is so much more to recovery than that. Sure, we have group times where our clients can interact with others and learn to rebuild relationships. However, we also walk through the difficult parts of recovery with our clients to help them adjust to the challenges of daily life in recovery.

Our team of healthcare providers and therapists have decades of experience treating addictions and are well equipped to handle any addiction through a variety of treatment modalities. Our goal is for our clients to be comfortable, learn new healthy life coping skills, and be able to use those skills to achieve the goals they set out for themselves in recovery.

4. Strong support for co-occurring disorders

Addiction rarely occurs on its own without some type of complicating factor. It is very typical for those who struggle with addiction to also suffer from depression, anxiety, traumas, and other concerns. In order to give our clients the greatest opportunity possible for successful recovery, we address any possible threat to sobriety.

Our staff consists of board-certified physicians, state-licensed therapists, counselors, coaches, and spiritual advisors. Altogether, our professional team has treated nearly every potential combination of addiction and co-occurring disorders. For questions regarding the capabilities of our treatment team, please contact us at (818) 429-9103 and we will be happy to address any concerns directly.

5. Outpatient and aftercare programs that advance long-term recovery

For Miracles In Action, treatment doesn’t end when our clients complete a drug and alcohol program. Our clients often take advantage of our Intensive Outpatient Programs, family therapy, and sober living options that help solidify the new coping skills learned in drug and alcohol treatment. Research has shown conclusively that a greater length and depth of support vastly improves treatment outcomes.

Our aftercare programs offer an excellent way to put new-found recovery tools into practice in a safe, structured setting. As our clients begin to ease back into a regular lifestyle, they’ll have the opportunity to find or resume work, attend school, and begin assuming family roles once again. As part of a long-term treatment plan combined with our other services, our aftercare programs help our clients build on the recovery that they’ve already accrued and maximize the benefit from their stay with us.

Miracles In Action is here to help our clients live the life in recovery that they deserve.

Addiction is becoming more prevalent in the United States. As the disease progresses, it takes everything from us in life. And if left unchecked, it will eventually take our lives. Miracles In Action is here to save lives, but our passion is to help our clients recover from the grips of addiction. We want to help our clients achieve their amazing goals in recovery.

For more information about addiction and the powerful treatment programs available at Miracles In Action, please call or email us today. Someone is standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer any questions and to facilitate the healing recovery process.

In our ongoing pursuit of providing the best possible drug and alcohol treatment services in Los Angeles, California, Miracles In Action is proud to announce that we are now fully accredited by the Joint Commission and have earned the Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval®.

The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval® is granted to healthcare organizations after a lengthy survey and evaluation of the quality and safety of critical services and patient care provided. Accreditation is a continuous process that provides insights into an organization's daily operations and systems. The Gold Seal of Approval® earned by Miracles In Action means that we have undergone an unannounced, thorough on-site review of the quality and safety of care being provided and verifies that we are committed to continuously meeting rigorous national standards.

The accreditation outlines Miracles In Action's distinct commitment to providing the very best in evidence-based and 12-step addiction treatment. Our programs include a full spectrum of services including medically supervised detox, dual diagnosis/co-occurring disorder treatment, group and individual therapy, life skills support, individualized treatment plans, and more. We take great pride in our programs, which are built around providing the highest level of non-judgmental and unstigmatized addiction care.

For more information about Miracles In Action's accreditation, please visit QualityCheck.org

About the Joint Commission

Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission accredits and certifies more than 21,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. An independent, nonprofit organization, The Joint Commission is the nation's oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care. To earn and maintain The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval®, an organization undergoes an on-site survey by a Joint Commission survey team at least every three years.

The Joint Commission is governed by a 32-member Board of Commissioners that includes physicians, administrators, nurses, employers, quality experts, a consumer advocate and educators. The Joint Commission employs approximately 1,100 people in its field staff, at its central office in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, and at an office in Washington, D.C.

]]>ehren@effectmedia.org (Miracles In Action)BlogThu, 26 Apr 2018 21:27:29 +0000Here Are Five Amazing Things That Changed My Life When I Stopped Drinkinghttps://www.miraclesinaction.info/addiction-resources/item/5-here-are-five-amazing-things-that-changed-my-life-when-i-stopped-drinking
https://www.miraclesinaction.info/addiction-resources/item/5-here-are-five-amazing-things-that-changed-my-life-when-i-stopped-drinking

I used to think that there was no way I could live without alcohol. I believed in my reasons for drinking and using, and that I wouldn't be able to go through life without drugs and alcohol. I never thought life would be any fun without being drunk or high. As it turns out, I was actually missing out on a truly fulfilling life by clinging to my addiction. I'm here to share the story of how my life changed after I went through a solid treatment program.

1. My Health

There was no time that I didn't feel tired. I felt nothing but anxiety when I wasn't drinking, and it exhausted me. I woke up every morning having had just a few hours of sleep to sober up and try to make myself smell less like a distillery before I made it to work at 9:00am....or sometime thereafter. That was just how I felt though. Inside my body, my liver and kidneys were being damaged by the alcohol and drugs. The alcohol was affecting my sugar production, and I was borderline diabetic. My doctor looked at me and referred me to internists and psychiatrists to help my situation, but I didn't go. Not until much later.

2. My Relationships

I had no idea what a drain I was on my family. They seemed like such jerks. They just stopped helping me. I was so angry at them. It was further proof to me that they just didn't care about me.

What I didn't realize was just how much I demanded of them in my addiction. Sure I hid my drinking and using from them, but they still knew. So when I asked for money to pay my bills, or lost another job, or fell off the wagon again, it demanded resources of them financially, physically, and emotionally.

In recovery, I began to see what a drain I had been on my family. Through the 12 Steps, I offered my apologies and made my amends. I began giving back to my family instead of just taking from them. My relationships balanced out and became strengthened. I began to feel valued in my friendships, instead of feeling less-than. As a committed introvert, I also began going out with friends more. And it was actually fun!

3. My Self-Esteem

I always felt like I was a less-than. Less valued, less worthy, less intelligent, less capable, less important. I have no idea why my life took this turn early on, but drugs and alcohol fixed that problem right away. Like, RIGHT NOW. And that's what I wanted. Just a few hours of pain and anxiety relief. A bit of liquid courage would always do the trick.

I had no concept of the idea that everyone was created equal. I had no clue that I was no less valuable than any other beating heart on this earth. In recovery, I learned to step into who I was meant to be. Like a superhero suit, my true self laid lifeless and dormant, hidden behind a veil of anonymity. Stepping out of the addiction meant stepping into a pride of self, understanding that I am unique in my gifts and talents. And I found that I could really be of service to people. My hands could do things that other people really appreciated. And I began to see my purpose on this earth.

4. My Career

There is nothing worse than sitting at your desk at a the big law firm and having highly intelligent legal professionals spout off important orders that you can't even remember, let alone fulfill. Needless to say, I wasn't very effective in any of my jobs, even if I could hold one for a length of time.

What I'd learn about myself through treatment is that I was enormously capable of accomplishing so much more than I ever set out to when I was drinking and using. Sure, I had some successes, but I was plagued by my failures.

When I came into recovery, I learned who I really was. I learned that I wasn't happy with a normal 9-5 job. I also learned that as uneducated as I was, I had the skills and knowledge I needed to start my own business helping others. More so, in recovery I found the passion and drive to reach for my dreams that simply didn't exist in my addiction.

5. My Life

I am passionate. I am loving. I am intelligent. I am valuable. I am worthy. I deserve a good life. I am a good person.

When I came into recovery, learning these things changed my life. My passions now lie around helping other people in recovery too. My desire is to help others take themselves from the mere absence of addiction to the healing and success in life that full, long-term recovery can bring.

Miracles In Action is here to help you do just that. We don't focus on removing the substance so much as we focus on building the whole person. With compassion and care, Miracles In Action will help you become the person you are meant to be.

We would love to speak with you more. Please call us at (818) 429-9103 or fill out the form on this page. We'll get back to you as soon as we can. At Miracles In Action, we're here for your recovery. We want to guide you on this journey.

My life is so much better than I thought it would be.

If you struggle with an addiction, there is so much more to life that you're missing. I never knew that life could be so much more fun than I thought I was having in my addiction. There was so much that I gained by coming into recovery.

Miracles In Action is here to help you do the same. Please call us at (818) 429-9103 or fill out the form on this page. Our compassionate team is ready and waiting to help you get your life back right now.

]]>ehren@effectmedia.org (Miracles In Action)BlogMon, 05 Mar 2018 16:22:09 +0000What to Do When You're Ready to Get Help with an Addictionhttps://www.miraclesinaction.info/addiction-resources/item/3-what-to-do-when-you-re-ready-to-get-help-with-an-addiction
https://www.miraclesinaction.info/addiction-resources/item/3-what-to-do-when-you-re-ready-to-get-help-with-an-addiction

Are you ready to get help with an addiction? Here are a few simple steps to take to begin your journey to recovery. If you have questions about any of these steps, please call us at (818) 429-9103 and a caring, knowledgeable counselor will help you 24 hours a day.

1. Determine where you want to go.

Finding a location for treatment is one of the most important first steps in your recovery journey. You may have a great job in the town where you live, so a treatment program close to you may be appropriate. Or you may have too many connections and triggers close to home, where staying may lead to relapse. In that case, treatment in another state may be your best option. Finding a location that's right for you has a huge impact on the success of your long-term recovery program.

Miracles In Action offers cutting-edge residential addiction treatment in the beautiful Los Angeles County community of Glendale, California.

2. Determine what services you'll need in treatment.

Determining what services you need is one of the most important parts of selecting a treatment center. Treatment centers vary greatly in scope of practices and focus areas, so finding one that's right for you is important. Treatment centers may provide services for detoxification, dual diagnosis, religious focus, executive, 12-step, LGBTQ affirming, or a myriad of other specializations. Determine what you think you'll need before you pick up the phone to call a treatment center.

3. Research treatment centers in the area you choose.

Once you've decided where you want to go to treatment and which services you'll need, your next step is to make a list of questions to ask to determine if the services the treatment center provides are adequate for your needs. If the treatment center is near you, you can ask if a tour is available. Most will accommodate your request.

4. Determine how you'll pay for treatment.

Payment is a barrier to treatment for many people. If you have health insurance that will cover the cost of treatment, then you're set. You can call the phone number on your Health Insurance ID to find out what your eligibility for treatment is, or you can verify your insurance coverage through Miracles In Action here.

Two other options for payment are financing and cash discounts. There are financing companies that lend with the purpose of helping people pay for treatment. Creditworthiness may be an issue, but most lenders will accept a cosigner, or a borrower on your behalf. Cash discounts are discounts from full price that treatment centers will offer for people who wish to pay out of pocket. The discount may be as much as 40% off the regular price, or payment plans may be available directly through the treatment center.

If you aren't sure which option is best for you, ask your preferred treatment center for help. An intake counselor can explain all of your options in detail and help you decide which one is best for you.

4. Plan travel arrangements.

Once you've selected a treatment center and arranged for payment, you'll need to plan how you're getting there. Most treatment centers offer local pickup service from your home or local airport.

If you are seeking help for a loved one and you need an interventionist, your treatment center may be able to provide you with a referral. An interventionist can handle all of the travel arrangements to transport and accompany your loved one to treatment.

If you are seeking treatment for yourself, ask the treatment center if they can help you book travel arrangement. Some treatment centers provide this service free of charge, but all treatment centers will be able to assist you with travel plans.

5. Immerse yourself in your treatment experience.

Congratulations, you've arrived! Receiving treatment for an addiction is one of the most important things that you can do for yourself. While you're in treatment, absorb as much as you can and listen with an open mind. You will hear many different things that will help you, and some that may not. You will build relationships with the others there - usually strong ones as you'll be sharing your struggles with each other.

No matter what, relax and enjoy your time away. Remember that you're not just getting clean or sober, you're re-learning how to live your life without substance use. You're building a strong foundation for recovery that last a lifetime.

6. Plan aftercare programs and relapse prevention.

You may want to consider aftercare programs that will provide you with support when you complete treatment. Most insurance companies will pay for an Intensive Outpatient Program after your initial treatment ends. Its a wise idea to take advantage of this as the more support you have, the more solid your recovery will be.

Your treatment center may offer an outpatient program, or if you've traveled far from home for treatment you'll likely also be able to find one near your home. Some IOPs have partnerships with local sober living homes and will house you while you begin your new life. Sober living homes provide another avenue of accountability and support for those new to recovery.

7. Attend meetings, get a sponsor, work the steps.

Simple, but not easy. For the first 90 days, you'll likely be challenged to attend a meeting a day. This will provide a huge amount of support, encouragement, and accountability for your recovery.

If you choose a 12-step fellowship, you'll be strongly encouraged to ask someone to be your sponsor. This person will guide you through the 12 steps and should be the first person you seek out when struggles arise. Your sponsor will answer any questions that arise about your recovery.

Once you've completed working the steps, you may begin sponsoring others yourself. But always keep close to your support groups - they will become a community of people that you can rely on like family.

]]>ehren@effectmedia.org (Miracles In Action)BlogWed, 28 Feb 2018 13:02:43 +0000What Is It like to Go to a Treatment Center for the First Time?https://www.miraclesinaction.info/addiction-resources/item/2-what-is-it-like-to-go-to-a-treatment-center-for-the-first-time
https://www.miraclesinaction.info/addiction-resources/item/2-what-is-it-like-to-go-to-a-treatment-center-for-the-first-time

It takes real courage to admit that you can’t stop drinking or using on your own. It requires us to overcome a lot of fear to pick up the phone and call someone who can help. Every step of the way is unknown and surrounded by anxiety.

While we may never know quite what we’re walking into when we go to recovery for the first time, many others know it well and have so many positive outcomes from taking that first, huge step. Below is one person’s anonymous account of what her 30-day program was like.

I had truly hit bottom and admitted that I needed help to stop drinking. I could not stop on my own. I had tried. Many times. Going into a 30 day treatment center seemed liked a very drastic measure but I was willing to do whatever it took to end the insanity of my alcoholism and drug addiction.

The first few days of detoxing were a blur. I could barely eat or sleep. I was given medication to prevent delirium tremens, which helped to calm my anxiety, as well. But, now I was informed that the medication was only temporary and that I was well enough now to participate in groups and therapy.

I remember feeling like I was dying of exposure in those first days of “coming to.” I hadn’t talked about my feelings for a very long time. At least, not sober. Sure, I had cried to friends and relatives about how horrible my life was but now I was being asked to do something about it.

We had “in house” AA and NA meetings and it had been suggested to me that I get phone numbers from other women. I was shy about talking to women in sobriety. I guess, deep down, I was afraid of rejection. I felt like that little girl on the playground again; lonely and looking for a new best friend. My drug and alcohol counselor had told me to “stick with the winners.” So I listened carefully during meetings. I heard a woman sharing a story that was strikingly similar to my own. She had been clean and sober for 10 years. After the meeting I waited in line to thank her for her share. I was very nervous but I asked her for her phone number.

The next day, I felt like it was too soon to call her. It felt like I was asking her out on a date or something! But, I worked up the courage to call and asked her to be my sponsor. And, she said yes! She said that she would sponsor me but that I would be required to work the steps with her. I agreed. And, I have never regretted that decision.

Even though I had the skills to act like an adult, I felt like acting out like a 13 year old. And, rather than giving into the temptation to act like a rebellious and obstinate teenager, I began following the rules at my treatment center. I formed some bonds with my counselors that I still treasure to this day. I am still in contact with them and am eternally grateful to them for sharing their knowledge and wisdom with me. Their voices still guide me.

I also invited a couple of old friends of mine, who were not alcoholics, to visit me in treatment. I was very surprised when they both said yes! I was able to make amends to them for how absent I had been in their lives, too. We are very close again and I am so grateful they found it in their hearts to forgive me.

In a mere 30 days I had gained so much. I am so glad I chose to go to treatment and embrace recovery. And, so grateful for the healthy relationships I built while I was there!

If you are struggling to find the courage to ask for help, let us help you. Our compassionate and caring staff knows exactly how that feels because we’ve been there. We know how hard it is to pick up that phone and call. Rest assured that when you call us, someone will answer the phone who’s been there and knows that it’s going to be okay.

]]>ehren@effectmedia.org (Miracles In Action)BlogTue, 27 Feb 2018 22:50:54 +0000How Long Is Long Enough for a Treatment Program?https://www.miraclesinaction.info/addiction-resources/item/1-how-long-is-long-enough-for-a-treatment-program
https://www.miraclesinaction.info/addiction-resources/item/1-how-long-is-long-enough-for-a-treatment-program

One of the many questions asked of treatment centers is about the overall effectiveness of the programs offered. Treatment programs vary in scope and length, but scientific studies have overwhelmingly indicated that longer treatment stays correlate with lower relapse rates. The traditional length of time used to be 28-30 days. This period of time would allow the patient to detox physically, receive the medical attention they needed, attend some 12-step meetings, and then return back to their lives in successful recovery.

In reality, addiction recovery is far more complex as there are often emotional traumas and psychological factors that need to be addressed and treated. Each individual responds differently and each treatment plan must be tailored to meet their individual needs.

Escalating costs and limited health insurance benefits are often deterrents to receiving the care that translates to better quality recovery. Longer is better, but residential treatment is typically capped at 30 days by insurance companies. However, most insurance companies will continue to pay for outpatient treatment and aftercare programs immediately after completion of a residential treatment program.

Experts recommend that if long-term treatment isn’t feasible, intensive outpatient programs and sober living environments are the next best option. At Miracles in Action, we believe our patients have the best outcomes when long-term recovery programs are utilized. Because of this, we have now opened our inpatient treatment center. Combined with our inpatient medical detox, outpatient programs, sober living, and aftercare programs, our patients have the best recovery resources at their disposal.

Miracles In Action offers a complete drug and alcohol addiction treatment program that is affordable, personalized, and flexible. We understand that our patients come from all walks of life but together, we have the common goal of achieving successful long-term recovery. If you’re struggling with addiction, we’d love to answer any questions you have about treatment, recovery, or our services. It’s a quick and simple call with a friendly and compassionate counselor.